Renting in Merced County, California: fair rents and Section 8

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,517; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 42% less than in California
Typical rent: $1,343; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 34% less than in California
Wage needed: $29.17; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $60,680 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 52%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 6% less than in California

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)

Only here

Renting in Merced County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

Merced County has the 5th lowest homeownership rate of the 58 counties in California (54%).

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).

Fair market rent

What HUD sets for each size

Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Merced County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.

The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)

According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Merced County was $2,059 a month in September 2026: 1.1% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Fair market rent and wage needed. To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size	Fair rent per month	Hourly wage	Income needed per year
Studio	$1,200	$23.08	$48,000
1 bedroom	$1,262	$24.27	$50,480
2 bedrooms	$1,517	$29.17	$60,680
3 bedrooms	$2,087	$40.13	$83,480
4 bedrooms	$2,477	$47.63	$99,080

HUD area: Merced, CA MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

By ZIP code

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 24 ZIP codes in Merced County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,360 in 95303 to $1,860 in 95348. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,517).

Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)

Fair market rent by ZIP code, HUD area and size, Fiscal year 2027. A ZIP code that crosses a HUD area line appears once per area.

93620	Fresno, CA	$1,220	$1,220	$1,500	$2,090	$2,400
93620	Madera County, CA	$1,220	$1,220	$1,500	$2,090	$2,400
93620	Merced, CA	$1,220	$1,220	$1,500	$2,090	$2,400
93635	Merced, CA	$1,390	$1,460	$1,760	$2,420	$2,870
93665	Merced, CA	$1,160	$1,220	$1,470	$2,020	$2,390
95301	Merced, CA	$1,120	$1,180	$1,420	$1,950	$2,330
95303	Merced, CA	$1,010	$1,100	$1,360	$1,870	$2,260
95312	Merced, CA	$1,010	$1,100	$1,360	$1,870	$2,260
95315	Merced, CA	$1,120	$1,170	$1,410	$1,940	$2,300
95317	Merced, CA	$1,010	$1,100	$1,360	$1,870	$2,260
95322	Merced, CA	$1,180	$1,240	$1,590	$2,200	$2,550
95322	Modesto, CA	$1,180	$1,240	$1,590	$2,200	$2,550
95324	Merced, CA	$1,360	$1,430	$1,720	$2,370	$2,810
95324	Modesto, CA	$1,360	$1,430	$1,720	$2,370	$2,810
95333	Merced, CA	$1,010	$1,100	$1,360	$1,870	$2,260
95334	Merced, CA	$1,320	$1,390	$1,670	$2,300	$2,730
95340	Merced, CA	$1,120	$1,180	$1,420	$1,950	$2,320
95341	Merced, CA	$1,150	$1,210	$1,460	$2,010	$2,380
95348	Merced, CA	$1,470	$1,550	$1,860	$2,560	$3,040
95365	Merced, CA	$1,010	$1,100	$1,360	$1,870	$2,260
95369	Mariposa County, CA	$1,050	$1,110	$1,360	$1,870	$2,260
95369	Merced, CA	$1,050	$1,110	$1,360	$1,870	$2,260
95374	Merced, CA	$1,010	$1,100	$1,360	$1,870	$2,260
95388	Merced, CA	$1,010	$1,100	$1,360	$1,870	$2,260

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
93620 · Fresno, CA $1,500$2,090
93620 · Madera County, CA $1,500$2,090
93620 · Merced, CA $1,500$2,090
93635 · Merced, CA $1,760$2,420
93665 · Merced, CA $1,470$2,020
95301 · Merced, CA $1,420$1,950
95303 · Merced, CA $1,360$1,870
95312 · Merced, CA $1,360$1,870
95315 · Merced, CA $1,410$1,940
95317 · Merced, CA $1,360$1,870
95322 · Merced, CA $1,590$2,200
95322 · Modesto, CA $1,590$2,200
95324 · Merced, CA $1,720$2,370
95324 · Modesto, CA $1,720$2,370
95333 · Merced, CA $1,360$1,870
95334 · Merced, CA $1,670$2,300
95340 · Merced, CA $1,420$1,950
95341 · Merced, CA $1,460$2,010
95348 · Merced, CA $1,860$2,560
95365 · Merced, CA $1,360$1,870
95369 · Mariposa County, CA $1,360$1,870
95369 · Merced, CA $1,360$1,870
95374 · Merced, CA $1,360$1,870
95388 · Merced, CA $1,360$1,870

Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)

Rent burden

How many households spend too much

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Merced County, 52% of renter households are in that position; in California, 55%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.

52%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

39,581 households rent in Merced County

Spend half or more of their income 27%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
Spend less than 30% 48%

Compared with the state and the country

Merced 52%
California 55%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Merced County

HUD lists 45 properties with homes for low-income households in Merced County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.

with tax credits (LIHTC): 36
HUD-assisted: 6
public housing: 4

3,064 homes in all; 2,723 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Grove Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 340 S Parsons Ave, Merced 95341 204 homes, 202 low-income · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 120 · 4 bd: 36 · In service since 2004 · For families
Gateway Homes Public housing 2860 Park Ave, Merced 95348 176 low-income homes · Run by County of Merced Housing Authority · Average payment: $522 a month · Average wait: 7 months · Homes at several sites · (209) 386-4139
Laurel Glen Tax credit (LIHTC) 777 Loughborough Dr, Merced 95348 128 homes, 127 low-income · 1 bd: 96 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2000
Scattered Sites Public housing 736 Abby Cir, Los Banos 93635 122 low-income homes · Run by County of Merced Housing Authority · Average payment: $635 a month · Average wait: 2 months · Homes at several sites · (209) 386-4139
Sunnyside Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 988 D St, Merced 95341 121 homes, 120 low-income · 2 bd: 1 · 3 bd: 20 · 4 bd: 100 · In service since 2004 · For families
Scattered Sites Public housing 2023 Alameda Ct, Livingston 95334 117 low-income homes · Run by County of Merced Housing Authority · Average payment: $592 a month · Average wait: 36 months · Homes at several sites · (209) 386-4139
Sunny View Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1108 D St, Merced 95341 113 homes, 111 low-income · 2 bd: 1 · 3 bd: 84 · 4 bd: 28 · In service since 2007 · For families
Los Banos Family Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) 2235 Gilbert Gonzalez Jr Dr, Los Banos 93635 105 homes, 103 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 40 · 4 bd: 9 · In service since 2008 · For families
Sierra Meadows Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 720 W 15th St, Merced 95340 99 low-income homes · 1 bd: 80 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 1998 · For older adults
Tioga Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1715 N St, Merced 95340 90 low-income homes
Alamar Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 286 S Canal St, Merced 95341 80 homes, 79 low-income · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 32 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 1996 · For families
Carrington Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 1985 San Luis St, Los Banos 93635 80 homes, 79 low-income · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 44 · 4 bd: 14 · In service since 1999 · For families
Los Banos Family Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 2125 Gilbert Gonzalez Jr Dr, Los Banos 93635 80 homes, 79 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 32 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2010 · For families
Merced Commons I HUD-assisted 290 Q St, Merced 95341 76 low-income homes · For families · (209) 383-3634
Woodbridge Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 3028 Willowbrook Dr, Merced 95348 75 homes, 74 low-income · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 37 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2012 · For families
Merced Commons II HUD-assisted 290 Q St, Merced 95341 71 low-income homes · For families · (209) 383-2033
Overland Court Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 417 Rockport Dr, Los Banos 93635 70 homes, 69 low-income · 1 bd: 56 · 2 bd: 14 · In service since 2017
Los Banos Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 44 W I St, Los Banos 93635 66 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2012
Gateway Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 410 Lesher Dr, Merced 95341 66 homes, 65 low-income · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 28 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2013 · For families
Vintage West Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1000 Front St, Livingston 95334 55 low-income homes · In service since 1992 · For families
Casa del Sol Tax credit (LIHTC) 9370 Bigler Dr, Planada 95365 54 homes, 53 low-income · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 24 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2000 · For families
Macarthur Apts (los Banos) Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1130 F St, Los Banos 93635 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 46 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2006 · For older adults · (209) 829-0136
Merced Golden Manor HUD-assisted 338 T St, Merced 95341 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (209) 388-0782
Heritage Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1156 San Luis St, Los Banos 93635 50 homes, 49 low-income · 1 bd: 46 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
Orchards on Newcastle Tax credit (LIHTC) 1151 Newcastle Dr, Livingston 95334 49 homes, 48 low-income · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 25 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2013 · For families
Merced Gardens HUD-assisted 3299 Meadows Ave, Merced 95348 47 low-income homes · For families · (209) 325-4414
Dos Palos Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 21100 State Highway 33, Dos Palos 93620 40 low-income homes · In service since 1987
Central Valley Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1130 D St, Los Banos 93635 38 low-income homes · In service since 1988 · For families
Kings View Apartments HUD-assisted 1191 Willow St, Atwater 95301 36 low-income homes · For older adults · (209) 358-7212
Casitas del Sol Tax credit (LIHTC) 1001 B St, Livingston 95334 36 homes, 35 low-income · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 18 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2001 · For families
Le Grand Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 13171 Brice St, Le Grand 95333 35 homes, 34 low-income · In service since 1993 · For families
Almond Garden Elderly Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 16200 Delhi Ave, Delhi 95315 34 homes, 33 low-income · 1 bd: 33 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
Gustine Garden Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 394 Wallis Ave, Gustine 95322 34 homes, 33 low-income · 1 bd: 34 · In service since 2015
Almond Garden Family Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 16240 Delhi Ave, Delhi 95315 31 homes, 30 low-income · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 12 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 1992 · For families
Sca Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 505 Cartmell Way, Merced 95341 30 low-income homes · In service since 1988 · For families
Childs Avenue Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1296 W 1st St, Merced 95341 27 low-income homes · In service since 1993 · For families
Alamar Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) 218 S Canal St, Merced 95341 24 low-income homes · In service since 1996 · For families
Willowbrook Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1756 Willowbrook Dr, Merced 95348 96 homes, 22 low-income · In service since 1993 · For families
Willowbrook Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1756 Willowbrook Dr, Merced 95348 80 homes, 16 low-income · In service since 1991
Glenhaven Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 24 W Swallow St, Merced 95341 15 low-income homes · In service since 1990 · For families
Haven Park Partners III Tax credit (LIHTC) 189 S G St, Merced 95341 15 low-income homes · In service since 1990 · For families
Haven Park Partners IV Tax credit (LIHTC) 199 S G St, Merced 95341 12 low-income homes · In service since 1990 · For families
Scattered Sites Public housing 1202 W 1st St, Merced 95341 6 low-income homes · Run by County of Merced Housing Authority · Homes at several sites · (209) 386-4139
Gateway Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 402 Lesher Dr, Merced 95341 132 homes
Livingston Family Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1972 Main St, Livingston 95334 49 homes

One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map

How to apply

For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information. Source: HUD
You apply for public housing at the housing agency that runs it. The agency looks at your yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with a disability, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list unless they can help you right away. Source: HUD
In tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments, the low-income homes have an income limit, a percentage of the area median income, and a rent cap. Source: 26 U.S.C. §42(g)
In buildings with Section 8 project-based assistance, only low-income households can move in. Source: 24 CFR §5.653(b)
A housing voucher (Section 8) is a separate kind of help: you apply at the public housing agency and use it to rent a home you choose. Source: HUD

This county's income limits Search HUD's map

In public housing, the average payment is what households pay on average for rent and utilities, and the average wait is the time on the list of those who moved in. HUD does not publish those figures where fewer than 11 households reported.

Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.

Section 8

The Section 8 voucher in Merced County

The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Merced County. Here is what the rules say:

The rules, with their source

You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured

HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.

HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Merced, CA MSA.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$20,450	$34,000	$54,400
2 people	$23,350	$38,850	$62,200
3 people	$27,320	$43,700	$69,950
4 people	$33,000	$48,550	$77,700
5 people	$38,680	$52,450	$83,950
6 people	$44,360	$56,350	$90,150
7 people	$50,040	$60,250	$96,350
8 people	$55,720	$64,100	$102,600

Area median income: $75,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Merced, CA MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $1,080 – $1,320
1 bedroom $1,136 – $1,388
2 bedrooms $1,365 – $1,669
3 bedrooms $1,878 – $2,296
4 bedrooms $2,229 – $2,725

The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.

Housing agencies that serve this place

County of Merced Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 2,896 vouchers · 421 public housing units (209) 386-4139 County of Merced Housing Authority: rosav@merced-pha.com

Housing agencies in California Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026

Your rights as a tenant in California

What California law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.

See your rights, rule by rule

Compare these rules with other states →

A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

How much can they charge for a deposit?: Up to 1 month of rent; Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5(c)(1), (c)(4)
When must they return my deposit?: 21 days; Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5
If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?: 3 court days; Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §1161(2)
How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?: 30 or 60 days, depending on the case; Cal. Civ. Code §1946.1(b), (c)

Only a court order can remove youCal. Civ. Code §789.3
Protection from retaliationCal. Civ. Code §1942.5
Protection related to immigration statusCal. Civ. Code §1940.3

Help

Where to get help with rent in Merced County

These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.

CH
Community Housing Council of Fresno

2560 W Shaw Ln Ste 101, Fresno · 55 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 7 more
(559) 221-6919
FI
Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries

1940 N Fresno St, Fresno · 60 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 11 more
(559) 487-1500

Rental assistance programs

The ones that serve in Merced County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): energy bill help

Run by California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD)

One-time payment from the federal LIHEAP program in California to help with your heating or cooling bill, or if your service is about to be shut off

Limited funds remain, per the source
See details

See every agency in California Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Merced County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.

Count power on top of the rent: in California, the average home bill was $161 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs

Open the full tool

Your move

State

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Monthly rentHUD fair market rent$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Merced County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$To see how long it takes to put it together.

Adjust advanced details

Deposit and rent in advance

The deposit, in

Months of rentDollars

Months of rent for the depositThat is $1,517. We start with an example; enter what you are asked for.Pay the first month before moving inThey also ask for the last month

Application fees$What each application charges, for all the ones you'll fill out.Utility deposits and connection$Electricity, gas, water and internet. Ask each company.The move$Planning example, not a price: $100 to $400 to rent a truck for a day for a move within your city. Get quotes.Pet deposit$Other costs$Boxes, locks, basic furniture.

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$3,034

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,517
Security deposit: $1,517
Total: $3,034

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

When you'll have it

Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.

What helps

Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.

Guide: the security deposit Guide: avoiding rental scams Family budget How much rent can I afford?

This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Merced County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,200; 1 bedroom: $1,262; 2 bedrooms: $1,517; 3 bedrooms: $2,087; 4 bedrooms: $2,477. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Merced County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,517) without spending more than 30% of income takes $29.17 an hour full time, or $60,680 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Merced County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $48,550 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.

How much does Section 8 pay in Merced County?

The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,365 and $1,669 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Merced County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,360 in 95303 to $1,860 in 95348. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.

How many low-income apartments are there in Merced County?

HUD lists 45 properties with homes for low-income households in Merced County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.

How many households spend too much on rent in Merced County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Merced County, 52% of renter households are in that position; in California, 55%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Sources and methodology

Fair market rents and income limits come from HUD; typical rent and the burden, from the Census. The wage needed is our calculation: fair market rent × 12 ÷ 30% ÷ full-time hours a year. The voucher rules were read in their official text on the date shown.

Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Small Area Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Low-income apartments Retrieved November 6, 2026
American Community Survey Average 2020–2024
Income Limits Fiscal year 2026
Public Housing Agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026

Program rules

24 CFR §888.113, Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.503, Payment standard areas, schedule, and amounts Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §5.603, Definitions (income) Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.201, Eligibility and targeting Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.1, Programs: purpose and structure Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.508, Maximum family share at initial occupancy Verified October 30, 2026
HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants Verified October 30, 2026

Renting in Merced County, California

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Merced County: what sets it apart

What HUD sets for each size

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

How many households spend too much

Compared with the state and the country

Low-income apartments in Merced County

The Section 8 voucher in Merced County

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in California

Where to get help with rent in Merced County

Rental assistance programs

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): energy bill help

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Merced County?

How much do you need to earn to rent in Merced County?

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Merced County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Merced County?

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Merced County?

How many low-income apartments are there in Merced County?

How many households spend too much on rent in Merced County?